GENERAL (Josh McDowell research 2005 and prior) “FORGIVENESS COULD BE BALM FOR THE BODY, TOO” “The ability to forgive just might improve your marriage, your health and your outlook on life.” “A new round of findings is expected Friday, when more than 40 scientists and researchers gather in Atlanta for a conference hosted by A Campaign for Forgiveness Research, a non-profit organization that promotes studies.” “Overall, findings show a link between forgiveness and health, say Everett Worthington, executive director of the group. ‘Chronic unforgiveness causes stress,’ he says. ‘Every time people think of their transgressor, their body responds.’” “Blood pressure and heart rates go up. Facial muscles tense, stress hormones kick in. Chronic stress affects the immune and cardiovascular systems, he says. Forgiveness reduces stress by replacing ‘negative emotions with positive ones.’” “One study being presented at the meeting finds that although women perceive themselves as more forgiving than men, they really are not.” “Psychologist Fred Luskin of the Stanford Forgiveness Projects at Standford University heads a series of studies of people, some with ‘unresolved hurts’ from the likes of parents, spouses or bosses and some with very dramatic psychological injuries.” “In one program, 17 adults from Northern Ireland who had been traumatized by an immediate family member’s murder were brought to Stanford for a week of ‘forgiveness training’ that included group discussions and advice on new ways to think about trauma. Afterward, participants on average reported 37% less hurt and about 35% fewer physical symptoms of stress, such as poor appetite.” “Some research suggests that when partners don’t forgive each other for past hurts, they are less apt to manage conflict in the present. Luskin say adults who cannot forgive their parents for mistakes may unwittingly transfer their anger to spouses.” “Other studies link forgiveness and:” “►Reduced blood pressure and stress hormone levels, especially among low-income blacks.” “►Less pain, depression and anger in patients with chronic back pain.” “►Fewer relapses in women in substance abuse programs.”
General – Research 2005 and prior
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